Md. making plans for language barriers in health

ANNAPOLIS — Maryland officials are planning a variety of ways to reach people who do not speak English well to help them obtain insurance under the federal health care law.

Danielle Davis, a spokeswoman for the Maryland Health Exchange, said Monday that advertising on radio, television and social media will be part of an overall plan. A call center with access to translators also will be created.

The state will have an organization in six regions of Maryland with familiarity of the areas for outreach. Plans also call for getting the word out through faith-based groups.

Davis says a conference has been scheduled for May 14 with leaders from a variety of faith backgrounds across the state on how they can spread word to specific communities that don’t speak English very well.